host: a big push from republicans on a balanced-budget amendment. that issue has come back to the forefront in the gop terms. what is your reaction to that, their current mantra? guest: i think the balanced budget amendment might be the worst idea -- would not say ever, but it is pretty terrible. putting a cap on total spending -- i think the house is saying 80% of gdp -- that would cripple government. it would require massive cuts to existing services, up to 70%, but it would -- in the event of recession or war, it would sharply limit what the united states could actually do. i do not imagine -- quick spending for military action -- i do not imagine that happening at all. requiring the 2/3 votes for tax increases would put this in the same situation as california is right now. they are virtually not capable of dealing with their budget problems because it requires a 2/3 majority to pass a tax measure. that has crippled the government. host: conn carroll? guest: do i have to? [laughter] i am not against the balanced budget. i think it is a way to ki